Elementary schools burglarized in Live Oak, Corralitos, Aptos

LIVE OAK - Three elementary schools were burglarized Monday night or Tuesday morning in Aptos, Corralitos and Live Oak.

The cases appeared to be related because the burglar or burglars tried to steal computers and broke in through windows, said deputy April Skalland.

A computer and a printer were taken from a staff lounge at Live Oak Elementary School. The thieves were unable to steal items from the other schools because the equipment was secured.

At Mar Vista Elementary School at 6860 Soquel Drive, a library window was smashed and someone tried to steal several computers that were chained to each other, Skalland said. There was "considerable damage" but nothing was stolen, she said.

At Live Oak Elementary at 1916 Capitola Road, someone entered a staff lounge through a window and stole a computer and printer worth about $1,500. Deputies said other rooms of the school were entered and window screens were damaged.

At Live Oak and Bradley, school officials spotted the break-ins about 7:30 a.m. Tuesday. The burglaries happened sometime between then and 9:30 p.m. Monday, deputies said.

At Bradley Elementary School at 321 Corralitos Road, an alarm sounded at 2:45 a.m. Tuesday.

Deputies arrived and found an office door and window open. A computer was moved but nothing was stolen. Skalland said deputies collected evidence from each of the crime scenes.

"It's sad because schools in general don't have a lot of money," Skalland said. "These suspects are stealing from kids."

The Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office asks anyone with information to call 471-1121 or the anonymous tipline at 454-5995.